Road humps installed after fatal Shropshire crash are to be improved

The traffic-calming measures were put in along the Ironbridge Road, in Broseley, following complaints about speeding motorists.

The move also followed an accident in September 2012, which killed a driver, a passenger and seriously injured two other people.

But motorists say the humps are too high for many vehicles, with reports of damage being caused to the suspension of some cars, vans and lorries.

Dennis Lightfoot, who lives in nearby Blakeway Close, said the severity of thumps had caused issues for narrow-track or low-suspended vehicles.

He said a petition opposing the humps had been signed by up to 400 residents and handed to the council.

Mr Lightfoot said motorists had begun to use the nearby Dark Lane, which passed Broseley CE Primary School, as a rabbit run to avoid the humps.

"We are all for the safety of our roads, which is why there are speed limits should be enforced like anywhere else in the country," he said.

Jean Jones, Shropshire Councillor for Broseley, said: "The speed enforcement measures were introduced here because it is a dangerous junction, regularly used by children and elderly people, where one fatality and one very serious accident had already occurred.

"Shropshire Council Highways and the police say the scheme has reduced the speed of traffic and the speed cushions are legal, safe and widely used. I'm sure everyone's priority is the safety of people and the protection of lives."

Councillor Claire Wild, Shropshire Council cabinet member for highways, said: "Pre-formed cushions were chosen to ensure the uniformity of shape and size and were in accordance with the road hump regulations. They were also quick to instal and would therefore minimise disruption to motorists.

"Unfortunately, some problems were encountered during installation and although some remedial works have been carried out to the cushions we are aware this did not address the concerns raised by the public.

"Therefore we are looking at the situation to see what we can do to improve the scheme for motorists, while maintaining the speed reduction benefits."